Each US officers have commented on a chunk claiming Washington plans to carry Russia sanctions as a part of a possible Ukraine peace deal
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump’s particular envoy, Steve Witkoff, have accused Politico of publishing “fiction” and “pretend crap,” over a report by the media outlet on a possible Ukraine peace deal.
In an article on Wednesday, Politico claimed that Washington is contemplating lifting sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream pipeline and “different Russian property in Europe” as a part of its peace efforts. Citing “5 folks aware of the discussions,” Politico mentioned Witkoff was the “fundamental proponent” of the plan, allegedly because of a growing “friendship” with Russian President Vladimir Putin in his position as Trump’s envoy. The piece additionally claimed Rubio opposed the thought and quoted analysts warning it might harm US LNG exports by reopening the EU market to Russian fuel.
Rubio was fast to reply, writing on X that the “piece of fiction” was “unequivocally false.” Witkoff responded with sharper language, calling the article “pretend crap.”
“There is not even a kernel of fact to this story – Politico was performed by their “sources” but once more. It is embarrassing that they print this kind of pretend crap.”-Ambassador Witkoff https://t.co/vZm155LnDa
— Workplace of the Particular Envoy to the Center East (@SE_MiddleEast) April 24, 2025
Rubio and Witkoff are among the many key figures in US-Russia discussions geared toward ending the Ukraine battle.
Whereas the US-proposed peace framework has not been made public, studies recommend it might contain recognizing Crimea as Russian territory. Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky just lately dismissed any such proposals as “unconstitutional,” prompting Trump to accuse him of jeopardizing the peace course of with “inflammatory statements” and warning that he might “lose the entire nation” if he doesn’t compromise.
US Vice President J.D. Vance echoed the sentiment, warning on Wednesday that Washington would possibly “stroll away” from talks except Kiev and Moscow attain a deal quickly, and stating that “each should quit a few of the territory they at the moment personal.”
Russia has repeatedly mentioned that the standing of Crimea and the 4 different former Ukrainian areas that joined Russia after referendums will not be up for negotiation. Moscow insists recognition of the “actuality on the bottom” is significant for lasting peace.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov cautioned this week towards counting on media studies concerning US-Russia talks, warning that “a variety of fakes are being revealed now, together with by revered publications.” He suggested the general public to belief official sources as a substitute.
